Archives for 2015

“We are not called by God to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things with extraordinary love.” This quote has been on my mind a lot lately as I think about SCI’s mission and how we strive to carry out that mission on a day to day basis. Chatting with a seafarer over a cup… [Read More]

Speakers: The Rev. Masud Ibn Syedullah, TSSF and Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat, Ph.D. Our Goal… This workshop will examine the more moderate expressions of Islam and Christianity to inform mutual understanding of cultural and religious support in the contemporary diverse workplace. Of particular note are the 32,000 seafarers who come to our port each year, making possible… [Read More]

There are times when ship visiting can feel routine and mundane. But there are also days, like today, when you walk down the gangway with a full heart and a smile because of an experience you had on board. This morning I visited the Spiegelgracht, a ship carrying paper that was coming from Belguim. I… [Read More]

Can’t think of anything to get your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day and have settled on the traditional gift of chocolate? You have seafarers to thank for that. Most of the chocolate available on the east coast is made from cocoa beans that come to us right here in Philadelphia. Pier 84 in South Philly, operated… [Read More]

Popular at Sea: Talented Chief Cooks Like Jayson Alcantara Jayson Alcantara, 30, a father of two, likes to cook and travel. So it’s not a surprise that he has found a seafaring career as the chief cook on cargo carriers since 2006. It helps too that seafaring pays better than most jobs available to Filipinos… [Read More]

The United States Coast Guard has started the process of making a new regulation that would greatly benefit seafarers. Under this possible new rule, port facility operators would be required to offer unimpeded access between the vessel and the facility’s security gate at no charge to the seafarer. Right now, port facilities can make their… [Read More]

CONGRATULATIONS, SENATOR SWEENEY -- AND THANKSStephen M. Sweeney, President of the New Jersey Senate, was honored at Seamen's Church Institute's annual "Spirit of the Port" luncheon last week. Senator Sweeney played a key role in construction of the Paulsboro (NJ) Marine Terminal, the first new port on the Delaware River in more than 50 years. When completed, the Paulsboro Port will host 2,500 jobs. SCI salutes Sen. Sweeney's vision and determination in improving our port community. ... See MoreSee Less

If you're not already using Amazon Smile, here is a reminder that for the next two weeks you can get even more bang for your buck by signing up now! Just go to amazonsmile.com, sign in, and designate Seamen's Church Institute of Philadelphia and South Jersey as the charity you wish to support. Thank you! ... See MoreSee Less